Methods

• Composting can be accomplished in several ways. You can build a holding unit, which is merely a container or bin that will hold your yard and garden waste, such as grass clippings and leaves. This method is slow but an easy way to make compost.
  
  Making compost out of food waste is accomplished by another composting method that uses red worms. Red worm composting needs to be done where temperatures are between 50 and 70 degrees, so a basement or heated garage is the best place for this composting method.
  
  

Holding Bin

• You will need a pair of wire snips, pliers, a hammer and a pair of work gloves. Materials include a 10-foot piece of 36-inch wide chicken wire, heavy wire to tie the chicken wire together, and four 4-foot metal posts.
  
  Fold back 4 inches at the ends of the chicken wire to create a smooth edge. Shape the chicken wire into a circle. Use cut pieces of the heavy wire as ties to connect the ends of the chicken wire. You can also use plastic ties. Erect the wire circle where you want your compost pile. Put the posts in place around the inside of the circle and pound into place. Hold the posts tightly against the chicken wire.
  
  

Worm Bin

• You will need two dark plastic storage boxes (8-10 gallon), a drill and shredded newspaper or paper. The bins need air circulation and drainage, so drill 1/4-inch holes in the bottom of the containers. This also provides a way for the worms to move from bin to bin when it is time to take the castings out of the bin. Drill 1/16-inch holes on each side of the bin near the top about an inch apart. The lid of the top container should have approximately 30 1/16-inch holes.
  
  Raise the bin by placing it on bricks so that it can drain and air can circulate. Put a tray underneath to catch any liquid that leaks through the holes. This liquid can be used as plant fertilizer.
  
  Prepare the bedding for the worms. The bedding consists of 3-4 inches of shredded newspaper. Dampen the newspaper with water and squeeze out any excess. Place the wet newspaper in the first bin. Add about a handful dirt for the worms. They use the dirt as grit to help them digest their food. About a week later, as the food becomes more rotten and thus to the liking of the worms, add 1 lb. of red wiggler worms to the bedding and place the cover on the bin.
  
  Within time the first bin will be full of vermicompost, and the food scraps will be largely gone. Prepare new bedding for the second bin and put the second container on the compost surface of your first bin. Continue to put food scraps in the second bin. The worms will work their way through to the second bin within one to two months. Now you can retrieve the vermicompost from the first bin. Watch for any worms that have not made their way to the second bin and gently place them in the second bin.